Cover Story
Energy Forward
Sofia Resnick gets her kee-op! on at Master Yi Martial Arts Academy
Uri Horesh Is This Week’s Gay Place Hero
Local UT lecturer makes national news with hunger strike.
All Toros Games to Be Webcast Live
The NBA Development League announced that they will be streaming all of their league’s games for free on their website as of right now. This is awesome news for fans who can’t make it to all of the home games or would like to keep track of the Austin Toros while they are on the…
UT and VA Combine Forces to Study Brain Trauma in Iraq Vets
UT’s J.J. Pickle Research Campus will conduct state-of-the-art brain imaging research on combat soldiers.
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles Conference in Works
The Austin City Council is moving ahead with plans to hold a national conference on plug-in hybrid vehicles, which can be charged from electrical outlets. Mayor Will Wynn has been aggressively promoting the technology, and Austin Energy hopes the cars will provide a way to make use of electricity from wind energy, which is available…
AISD: New Administrators
AISD trustees appointed two new administrators at their meeting Monday. Texana Turner will take on the position of director of middle grades at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. Turner is a former teacher and has been assistant principal and principal of Sims Elementary since 1999. Nancy Johnston Phillips has been appointed director…
Spears, Maxey Splitting Endorsements
Predictions of a divisive primary coming true
T.J. Ford Cleared for Takeoff
This just in: T.J. claims he’s pain free after going ass over teakettle following Al Horford’s “block attempt” mid-December. We emphasize “claim” because around these parts we know Ford, we know how much of a damn hard competitor the kid is, and know he’s walked across fire to get back onto the court from practically…
Ott’s City Manager Naming Under Way (Updated)
Ott to be named city manager in a moment
In Your Face
He’s 23 years old and founded Facebook. What have you done lately?
Dem Endorsement Roundup
Dukes shut out in big endorsement meeting of Democratic clubs.
New U.S. Women’s Coach: 1-0
The U.S. Women opened the Pia Sundhage era with a decisive 4-0 win over Canada Wednesday in the opening game of the Four Nations Tournament in China. Amy Rodriguez scored twice in her first start for the national team; Lindsay Tarpley got the other two – all goals coming in the second half. The young…
New City Manager Announced! (Updated)
A surprise pick, for sure!
Leopard Print Stun Gun: Band Name or Harsh Reality?
A new Taser offers room for music, paralysis.
My Kid’s Show Has Two Mommies
You never know what you’re going to find in a magic pocket.
Kim Calls Kibosh on CM Search?
Council member calls for slowdown of hire; says she’ll vote against the new CM if not.
I Luv a Parade
Float, float on at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World
In Goth We Trust
Or is that disco?
NBA’s KD Is ESPN’s ROY
Divisional playoff weekend and the wrong Manning moves one step closer to the Super Bowl. So with all the pigskin action, you probably didn’t know a third of the NBA season was cashed, still with Kevin Durant’s SuperSonics not even cracking double digits in the win column. Is that a surprise to anyone? In a…
Bad to the Drone
What’s happening this weekend.
Cowboys Fans, We Told You So
We hate to say we told you so, but, well, we did. As I wrote last week in my column, “Playing Through,” the Cowboys peaked in November, when they beat the Packers. And then coasted into the playoffs. We can lay off Tony Romo and Terrell Owens on this one. The fault is entirely Wade…
Bond Buzz
Public hearings on AISD interim bond proposal at LBJ High tonight.
Everybody and His Yellow Dog Will Be There
Multiple Dem groups hold consolidated endorsement meeting tonight at AFL-CIO hall.
Spears Gets Nod From Labor
Maxey says tax assessor is a “Johnny-come-lately” on employee protections
CD 10 Candidates Getting Pushy?
Austin blogger alleges Doherty is push-polling; LJD campaign say poll was a standard survey
Now What Does This Say About the Texas Democratic Party?
CD 10 candidates line up some, um … powerhouse endorsements.
Reggie Jackson to Speak at the Dell
Hall of Famer (aka Mr. October) Reggie Jackson will be making a trip to Central Texas on Wednesday, Feb. 6 to headline the 2008 Round Rock Express Winter Baseball Banquet. Jackson will be speaking at the ceremony honoring the 2008 High School All-Star Team, Collegiate Pitcher and Player of the Year, Express Pitcher and Player…
Extended Play
Denim, lasers, Doritos, and more.
Meet Your Would-Be City Managers
Meet ’em tonight – if you’re not at Lee Leffingwell’s.
GOP No-Nos Noriega
GOP targets Noriega for not being a real target.
AISD Announces Transfer Freezes
Number of schools stays the same, but names change.
Best Title of the Year So Far …
SXSW Film lights up
Council Races Get a Little More Hairy
Allen Demling announces for Place 1
Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors
Fangoria’s Weekend of Horrors The venerable horror magazine three-day convention takes place at the Renaissance Austin Hotel. See www.creationent.com/cal/fangotx.htm for details and walk-up ticket info. The lineup of evening screenings are scheduled for the Alamo Village, and there will be a very limited number of tickets available for the public. Screenings include Seed with director…
Texas Rollergirl Tryouts This Sunday
Want to be a Texas Rollergirl? You bet you do. Here’s your chance of maybe making one of their Roller Derby teams. It’s more fun than being in a band and better exercise too. For details e-mail tryouts@txrollergirls.com. The tryouts are this Sunday, Jan. 20, 9:45am at the Playland Skate Center (8822 McCann Dr.).
The Peaks and Peeks of Sundance
No coy excuses for the absence of Marginalia over the last few months. But the blog is back and now mobilizing to check out the 2008 Sundance Film Festival’s peaks and peeks. Beginning this weekend, Utah’s Wasatch mountains will be seen from picturesque solid ground (no ski slopes for this klutz) but the festival films…
Whither Rick Cole?
A intriguing entry into the CM sweepstakes strikes out.
Austin Outlaws Release 2008 Schedule
Now that the Cowboys and Texans 2007-’08 seasons are over we can start focusing on the tackle football team that counts, the Austin Outlaws. Austin’s own all-female football squad has released their 2008 schedule. Please check their website for more details. Tickets $10. Here’s their home schedule: May 10 versus New Orleans May 24 versus…
TNA Talks
Wrestlers of TNA on life on the road, and how to survive a muscle buster.
Bloomberg Plays Banquo’s Ghost
Who could stand to win and lose if the mayor of New York runs for president?
TNA Brings the Impact
Results from the TNA wrestling event at Travis County Expo Center.
Toros on Top
What can you say about these Austin Toros? Last year’s D-League tragedians are sitting high atop the Southwest Division standings at 13-5, four games ahead of closest rival the Colorado 14ers. Not only that, they’ve been No. 1 on the D-League’s Power Rankings for two weeks. In fact, before Saturday’s close loss to the Albuquerque…
Outfittin’ for Party Gras
You gotta look purdy for Mardi Gras.
Early Gras
Mardi Gras is early enough this year even for SXSWers: Watch these blogs for lots of Mardi Gras info.
Waller Getting Weller
Oil leak may have been contained before damage was too extreme.
God Praise the Queen
The Brits call it as they see it
I’ve Got a New Bow-friend
My one true love… is now available on disc!
Meeker: ‘99.9% Going to Run’; Kim: Wal-Mart Will Be ‘Freaking Disaster’
Responsible Growth for Northcross vows to keep fighting
Don’t Stand Too Close To A Craddick D
Rep. Burnam’s endorsement of Dukes opponent makes split over speaker explicit.
Larry Joe Doherty’s Mitt Romney Connection
Democratic congressional candidate’s finance chair held a fundraiser for Republican presidential candidate.
Ambush in Austin
George Strait live
RG4N Meeting Tonight – Will They Go for Broke?
Next steps discussed at meet tonight
Dallas Police Say One Line Is Fine
The Dallas City Council Public Safety Committee on Jan. 7 approved a policy that would allow Dallas Police officials to hire applicants who have used “hard” drugs – only once, mind you – including cocaine. Under the new policy applicants who admit to having tried a “serious illegal drug” no more than one time will…
More Climate Protection Awakening
The city of Hutto has followed the lead of Austin and 19 other Texas cities in signing the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. Like Elgin, Hutto is within the Envision Central Texas region. In all, 755 U.S. cities have committed to follow the goals of the international Kyoto Protocol – still unsigned by the U.S.…
Texas’ Lesser-Known Contenders for Republican Presidential Nomination
Amidst the national names filing in Texas for the Republican presidential nomination, there are a couple of lesser-known figures, even lesser than twice-failed presidential candidate and three-time Senate also-ran Alan Keyes. Houston-based practitioner of oriental medicine Hoa Tran was the first Republican hopeful to file, but he’s been joined by physician Hugh Cort, a Christian…
Restaurant Review
More is better at this new eatery
The Bigger Picture
Planning comprehensively
BATPAC Begins
New political action committee intent on influencing May council elections emerges
Rice Bran Oil
Deep-frying may lower cholesterol
The Hightower Report
The Luxury of Chinese Labor; and Taking Care of the Smithsonian
Partial Nekkidness and the New ‘Nudity’ Tax
Big “gray area” in sexually oriented businesses-fee law
Food-o-File
Returning chefs, restaurants anew, and requests for canned-food donations from Caritas of Austin
Child Sexual Assault and the Death Penalty
Supremes to hear appeal of Louisiana man condemned to die for rape of stepdaughter
Indefinable Magic
Ernie Durawa’s Monstas keep another grim demon at bay
God Is My Co-Producer
AFS Documentary Tour presents Audience of One
First Night: A Work in Progress
New Year’s Eve extravaganza showcased work Downtown of 63 Austin artists
Off the Record
Greg Ginn and SST Records start fresh in Taylor, Possessed by Paul James stars as The Folk Singer, and KOOP Radio catches fire (again)
Talk to the Hand
The first ever Puppet Parts Film Festival
Happenings
Jan. 10-16
Culture Flash!
Honors for a Blanton exhibition, Blue Lapis Light, and a Round Rock tuba player, plus a bundle of joy for a local choreographer
Texas Platters
Horse + Donkey Horse + Donkey’s debut meets the imagery of filmmaker Alejandro Jodorowsky at the crossroads of shadowy figures and lysergic imagery, the soundtrack to a prism-hued trip. At 15 songs, Horse + Donkey deftly delivers a companion to the local trio’s live shows, which are all about dynamics. Guitarist Jaime Zuverza and bassist…
In Print
Take Two is the sequel to My First Movie, a collection of interviews with now-successful directors discussing their first feature films. Sexy subject aside, Cinema of Obsession barely even manages to simmer.
Point Austin: The Process
There’s been audible grumbling that city manager selection process has been insufficiently “public”
Reefer Madness
On the alcohol-marijuana equalization movement’s frontlines with Mason Tvert
Texas Platters
Live Shot
TV Eye
It’s ba-ack: The season debut of The Wire marks the return of appointment television
Naked City
Quote of the week “We’ve been left out of the process,” “The process is broken,” and “City Hall has lost its way.” – Members of Better Austin Today, a new political action committee formed to influence May’s City Council elections Headlines • The search for a new Austin city manager is at full speed, with…
The Long Center: Who’s playing
Austin’s new performing-arts center releases the performance schedule for its first few months
Texas Platters
Ernest Gonzales While on Saturn’s Rings (Exponential) Ernest Gonzales makes music like Martha Stewart makes beds: clean and crisp. Formerly known as Theory of Everything, the San Antonio family man’s bedroom beats and drum-machine eclectics hint at Austin’s Octopus Project but without the energy and drive. That plants him firmly in the ambient category, manipulated…
Soccer Watch
News on Hope Solo, Greg Ryan, Lu�s Figo, Alexi Lalas, and more
Beside the Point
Just like your college-ball hopefuls, several city manager picks won’t go the distance
Arts Review
With this Naughty Austin revue, it ain’t about the story; it’s about the songs – and the costumes
Texas Platters
Cerronato Raíces y Ramas There are many things to cheer on Cerronato’s second CD. First, on lead vocals, there’s Clemencia Zapata, who, in addition to being a dynamic percussionist, charms with her understated contralto. Second, the carefully produced disc features Cerronato’s nimble mix of Colombian vallenato (rhythmic story-songs) and cumbia (enormously danceable story-songs) to create…
Playing Through
The Cowboys’ faithful are blindly optimistic entering the playoffs
(Even Further) Beside the Point
Auld Lang … Sigh
Arts Review
AMOA’s exhibit reveals how our desires are formed by primary colors, Benday dots, and thick black lines
Texas Platters
The Gougers A Long Day for the Weathervane Formerly the Sidehill Gougers, this local quartet lost part of their name, but it’s blossomed, unexpectedly, into a band. The Gougers’ third effort following an EP and LP, A Long Day for the Weathervane spins with a newfound depth and electricity flowing through their alt.country. A lot…
Day Trips
The Battle of Sabine Pass is known as one of the greatest battles, yet it has been largely overshadowed by other Civil War engagements
Page Two: Once in a Lifetime
Obama and Clinton are the future – a real future that is better than any fabricated past
Arts Review
This Argentinean artist’s work may not grab you immediately, but its understated lyricism will linger
Texas Platters
Meryll Happened (Esotype) Following up 2005’s You’ve Got Cousins, Meryll’s second LP wraps denser textures around Andrew Hernandez’s distinctive high pitch. Art Silva’s axe splits the difference between Explosions in the Sky’s heavy crescendos and 1980s shoegaze, soundtracking the late-night teen nostalgia of the lyrics as songs like “Lydia in the Cornfield” and “Hemlock Football”…
What’s Next for RG4N and Northcross?
Wal-Mart-fighters regroup
Anything Goes
That free-for-all spirit is part of the kick of FronteraFest
Get Your Goat
A homegrown literary magazine celebrates 20 years of playing Host to Texas and the world
Texas Platters
Johnny Dango & the Stillwater Pioneers Let’s Go Pioneering! The Pioneers’ debut balances the playful and sincere amid easy back-porch jams, from the swinging hootenanny of “Trouble All My Life” to the dark drawl of “Going Home.” “Ain’t Gonna Worry” touches on the Gourds’ illustrious wordplay, and “Used to Be” similarly creeks resistingly against middle…
The March Primaries and After: The Filing Report
Flurry of last-minute filings
The Common Law
It’s the new year – check your credit history
Texas Platters
The Lucky Tomblin Band Red Hot From Blue Rock There’s no doubting the talents of Redd Volkaert, John Reed, and Earl Poole Ball, but the sum of LTB’s CD/DVD third LP rarely equals the parts. Sarah Brown sparks a lean and sultry swing with “Don’t Forget to Dip the Girl,” but covers like “Setting the…
Earle Endorses Lehmberg … Minus Lehmberg
Travis Co. District Attorney throws support in contest to replace him behind longtime first assistant
One Missed Call
This American horror remake of Takashi Miike’s eponymous Japanese original is a dud.
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
What smells worse, Limburger or body odor?
Texas Platters
Paul Banks Not to be confused with the Interpol frontman, ATX’s Paul Banks lays a soft bed of acoustic guitar and piano behind gentle vocal swells. Opener “Live to Share” gestures toward Rufus Wainwright, while “Tell Me Your Thoughts” pops with layered self-harmonies, and the slow build of “Medicine” showcases Banks’ comfortable range. Though “Family”…
KXAN Vs. Cable
Williamson Co. cable system replaces KXAN on dial with Temple-based station
The Bucket List
Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman play characters who have only a short time to live. Promises, promises.
After a Fashion
Your Style Avatar remains new-year-fabulous in fur despite others’ mauling, pushing, and vomiting
Texas Platters
The Will Evans Project Recorded live, the Will Evans Project’s debut captures the local trio’s jam dynamic, though the standard acoustic rock delivers little beyond the typical college-directed fair. “It’s a Shame” and “Oh Tomorrow” might, at best, recall Dave Matthews’ acoustic work, while Evans’ emotive vocals on “Love Lock” and 11-minute closer “Out of…
@ Chronic
After five decades of primary power and three presidents, Texas and its March 4 primaries may be presidential-race irrelevancy
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Julian Schnabel’s unorthodox but true story about a protagonist who is stripped of all self-movement and expression is equal parts reverie, despair, and social experiment.
Restaurant Review
Coddled and comfortable at Austin’s best steak house
The Downtown Austin Plan
The city unveils its Downtown Plan in progress
State ‘Security Upgrades’ Create Cap Metro Headache
State Preservation Board wants to remove what might be busiest bus stop in all of Austin from south side of Capitol grounds
Luv Doc Recommends: ROCK & ROLL PARTY
If you did them up right, the holidays should have packed a couple of extra pounds of suet on your frame. Don’t freak out and buy an expensive gym membership just yet. Anything could happen. You might swallow a tapeworm. You might go on a hunger strike. Your soccer team’s plane might crash in the…
